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Lourdes effect

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The term Lourdes effect has been coined by the Belgian philosopher and skeptic Etienne Vermeersch for the tendency of supposed supernatural powers to resist clear demonstration. Vermeersch contends that if Lourdes's healing powers were real, the Virgin Mary or God would reattach severed arms as often as they cure ambiguous paralysis or blindness, and the absence of such undeniable healings constitutes strong evidence against the subtle ones as well. The same applies to other mysterious and occult phenomena such as the sightings and photos of the Loch Ness Monster and the Yeti.[1][2][3]

Vermeersch uses this term to mock what he calls the selective and uncritical approach to miracles, or the frivolous attribution of supernatural gifts to human beings. Skeptics observe that over 100 pilgrims have died in plane, train, and bus accidents while traveling to and from Lourdes, a figure far exceeding the approximately 70 claimed faith healing miracles recognized by the Vatican.[4][5][6]

References

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  1. ↑ Scientific apriori's against the paranormal Archived 2009-06-19 at the Wayback Machine by Prof. Etienne Vermeersch.
  2. ↑ Vermeersch, E., Het paranormale ter discussie, Studiumgenerale, nr 9107, Utrecht University, 1992, pp. 81-93 (English title: The paranormal questioned).
  3. ↑ Vermeersch, E., Epistemologische Inleiding tot een Wetenschap van de Mens, Brugge, De Tempel, 1966.
  4. ↑ 1922; Times, by the New York Times Company Special Cable To the New York (1922-08-02). "40 Lourdes Pilgrims Killed, 52 Hurt; Cripples in Panic in Train Collision".
  5. ↑ BOINET, THIERRY (2007-07-23). "26 die after bus plunges off French mountain road". Chron. Retrieved 2026-09-30.
  6. ↑ Lourdes needs a miracle - interview with prof. Etienne Vermeersch and prof. med. Willem Betz, Het Nieuwsblad, March 12, 2006.

Further reading

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  • Etienne Vermeersch, Van Antigone tot Dolly. Veertig jaar kritisch denken, Antwerpen, Hadewijch, 1997, 256 pp. (i.e. From Antigone to Dolly: Forty Years of Critical Thinking)
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